How food affects our mental health

Younger people are influenced differently by food than adults

The journal "Nutritional Neuroscience" recently published a study that uncovers a link between nutrition and mental health. According to the study, the maturation of the brain is completed only at the age of 30 years. Therefore, the emotional control, mindset, and resilience of a person of adolescent age may be different than in adulthood or older age. The study examined the difference in nutritional effects on mental health among groups whose brains are fully mature and those who are still developing.

The aim of the study was to compare the dietary intake and dietary practices of young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 with those of adults over the age of 30 years and to investigate psychological stress. Furthermore, the study should assess whether psychological well-being has an influence on a healthy diet and physical activity. Data for the study was collected in an anonymous internet-based survey that was sent to various professional and social group networks through social media platforms. Through the data, a relationship between nutritional variables, physical activity and psychological stress in the respective target group could be determined.

Results of the study

The mental health of the group of young adults (18 to 29 years) appears to be more influenced by food, which increases the availability and concentration of serotonin and dopamine, as is the case, for example, with meat consumption. According to the study, the psychic mood of adults seems to depend more on the availability of antioxidants, which can be increased by, for example, eating fruits. The abstinence of certain foods, such as coffee and a lack of breakfast, also had a greater impact on mental health in this target group. The study concludes that the degree of brain maturation and age-related changes in brain morphology and function require diet adjustments to improve mental well-being.

Under the age of 30 more sports and meat

"One of the key findings of this study is that diet and nutritional practices differentially affect the mental health of young adults versus mature adults," said Lina Begdache of Binghamton University in New York. Another notable finding is that the mood in young adults is sensitive to the buildup of brain chemicals. "Regular consumption of meat leads to the buildup of the two brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are known to boost mood. Regular training leads to the construction of these and other neurotransmitters. In other words, young adults who ate meat less than three times a week and trained less than three times a week showed a significant mental strain, "said Begdache.

At the age of more than 30 years more fruits and less carbohydrates and coffee

"Conversely, over 30 years of adult sentiment seems to be more sensitive to the regular consumption of antioxidant sources and abstinence from food that inappropriately activates the innate fight-or-flight response, commonly known as the stress response," added Begdache. With age, the formation of free radicals (oxidants) increases, so that the demand for antioxidants increases. Free radicals cause disorders in the brain, which increases the risk of mental disorders. "Our ability to regulate stress is also decreasing. So if we consume food that activates the stress response, like coffee and too many carbohydrates, we're more likely to experience mental stress, "says Begache. (Fp)